In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin explores the concept of a venue's "DNA"—the distinctive traits and selling points that make a venue unique. Designed for aspiring venue owners and those in the early stages of their business, Jonathan presents a ten-step framework to identify and capitalize on these defining features. He highlights key aspects such as location, architectural design, amenities, historical significance, operational values, and brand identity. By understanding and leveraging these elements, venue owners can differentiate themselves in a competitive market and attract more clients effectively.

In this week's episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Joshua Pniewski of Forever Farms Winery for a candid discussion about the realities of owning and managing a wedding venue. Joshua pulls back the curtain on the significant effort and intricate logistics involved, revealing that venue ownership is much more than simply hosting events.

He dives into the challenges such as navigating zoning regulations, managing demanding clients, and addressing the impact of negative reviews. Joshua also tackles financial misconceptions about venue costs and highlights the importance of implementing effective marketing strategies. Additionally, he shares his experience integrating winery operations with the wedding venue, offering a unique perspective on balancing both aspects of the business.

About Our Guest: 

Joshua Pniewski is the owner of Forever Farms, a family-owned winery and private event venue located on 32 picturesque acres in Medina County, Ohio. Forever Farms specializes in creating customized wedding experiences in a rustic yet elegant barn setting, complete with amenities like a bridal suite and groom's lounge. The property also features over 600 blueberry bushes, adding unique charm to the venue's scenic surroundings.

In addition to hosting weddings and private events, Forever Farms produces a selection of wines, including distinctive blueberry and strawberry fruit wines, reflecting the farm's commitment to quality and local produce. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and even participate in winemaking classes, making it a destination for both celebrations and wine enthusiasts. With its serene backdrop of rolling hills and lush landscapes, Forever Farms offers an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.

Find Them Here: 

Phone: (330) 667-0266

Website: https://foreverfarmsohio.com/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foreverfarmsoh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverfarms/ 

Address: 8109 Branch Rd, Medina, OH, United States, Ohio

In this week's episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin is joined by Lindsay Barrows, a dynamic entrepreneur in the wedding industry. Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from an unexpected start in entrepreneurship to successfully managing three wedding venues and an event planning company. She reflects on overcoming challenges during the 2008 recession and emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and effective delegation. Lindsay dives into her operational philosophy of "automate, eliminate, and delegate," offering actionable insights for streamlining business processes. She also underscores the value of continuous learning, leveraging podcasts, and staying ahead with innovative marketing strategies. She provides a comprehensive look at what it takes to run a thriving wedding business.

About Our Guest: 

Lindsay Barrows, CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) of Custom Love Gifts & Events, has been a prominent figure in the wedding industry since 2010. In addition to founding Custom Love, she has established five other businesses within the wedding field, including All in the Details Event Planning, Something Borrowed by CLG Event Rentals, Mountain Mist Farm Wedding Venue, Wildflower Event Center, and The Loyston at Coppertop Estates. Lindsay is a professional speaker, having presented six times at the Wedding MBA Conference and the Event Industry Expo. She holds an MBA and a secondary Master’s degree in Human Resources from West Virginia University. She is also a Board Member of the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association. Lindsay is passionate about creating unforgettable wedding experiences, with her favorite moments being the First Look and seeing the wedding dress a client chooses. Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her two daughters, cats, cheese, and her husband.

Find Her Here: 

Tel: 865.269.6705

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.customlovegifts.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomLOVEgifts/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customlovegifts/?hl=en

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@customlovegifts?_t=8kWATatwWPm&_r=1

In this episode, Jonathan dives into the power of scarcity as a sales strategy to increase wedding bookings at venues. He examines different types of scarcity, including fear-driven examples like the toilet paper rush during COVID, seasonal phenomena like pumpkin spice lattes, and exclusivity-based scarcity, which he highlights as particularly effective for wedding venues. Jonathan breaks down several scarcity tactics: quantity-based (limited availability of dates), time-sensitive (short-term offers), social proof (leveraging testimonials), geographical (emphasizing unique venue features), and seasonal (adjusting pricing strategies). He highlights the importance of transparent communication and educating couples about wedding costs to foster urgency and drive bookings.

In this episode of The Venue Rx podcast, host Jonathan Aymin welcomes Dana Kadwell, a seasoned venue owner and educator, to discuss her transition from hands-on management to strategic leadership. Dana explores how adapting to shifting client expectations and implementing structured processes have been key to her success. She shares insights on effective hiring, delegation, and the importance of understanding personal strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, Dana offers actionable advice on balancing a personal touch with operational efficiency and creating a collaborative, transparent team culture for sustainable growth in the events industry.

About Our Guest: 

Dana Kadwell began her career teaching high school chemistry and physics before discovering her true passion in the events and hospitality industry. Today, she co-owns and operates three successful event businesses and leads Hustle & Gather, a consulting firm she runs with her sister, Courtney. Together, they also host the Hustle & Gather Podcast, sharing strategies for building profitable businesses and thriving teams.

As a speaker, Dana specializes in company culture and personal growth, drawing on her ability to connect with others, simplify complex ideas, and leverage her keen organizational skills. Over the past 15 years, she and Courtney have built thriving businesses in Raleigh, North Carolina, earning accolades like NACE National Member of the Year.

Through Hustle & Gather, Dana inspires entrepreneurs to dream big, take bold leaps, and create impactful teams, helping hospitality businesses increase profitability while fostering a culture that’s both enjoyable and productive.

Find Her Here: 

Website: https://www.hustleandgather.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hustleandgather/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-gather-podcast-consulting

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In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Katherine Montes, the owner of Continuum Art, a multi-functional event space and art gallery in downtown Hendersonville. Katherine shares her journey of transforming a historic warehouse into a vibrant hub that blends art, events, and tattoo studios. She discusses her approach to pricing, event management, and balancing the creative and operational aspects of her business. Katherine also sheds light on the challenges she’s faced, from preserving the integrity of the artwork during events to navigating leasing and permitting hurdles. Her story provides valuable insights into the complexities of running a multi-purpose venue and highlights the importance of adaptability and building strong community connections.

About Our Guest: 

Katherine Montes is the owner of Continuum Art in Hendersonville, NC, a creative and versatile space that combines an art gallery, event venue, and tattoo studio. As a practicing artist herself, Katherine specializes in Neo-Traditional and Realism tattoo designs, offering custom commissions and pre-designed art pieces. Her studio within Continuum reflects her artistic passions and commitment to creativity. 

In addition to her tattoo artistry, Katherine actively engages with the local community through events such as "Drink & Draw," where she leads art classes that cater to both beginners and advanced participants. These events highlight her dedication to fostering a welcoming and inspiring environment for artistic expression​. 

Find Them Here: 

Tel: 828-435-3300

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.continuumartnc.com/studios/rentals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ContinuumArtNC/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/continuumtattoo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAs6wFN97kRlEDbh_mRtjTg

In this episode, Jonathan shares key insights from his experience at Wedding MBA 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reflecting as both an attendee and exhibitor, he highlights three essential takeaways:

https://www.wevahub.com

In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Mandi Young, owner of Juniper Gardens, a breathtaking garden wedding venue in southwest Missouri. Mandi opens up about her journey into venue ownership, highlighting the venue's distinctive mid-century modern design and the challenges she has overcome along the way. She shares personal anecdotes, including the meaningful story behind the venue's fireplace, and reflects on her experiences as a mother with a background in technical writing and project management. Mandi also dives into best practices for managing a wedding venue, highlighting the importance of fostering a warm and personalized experience for every couple.

About Our Guest: 

Juniper Gardens is a family-owned and operated business established by Mandi and Jesse Young. Their children, June and Carter, are also occasionally seen around the property, adding to the venue's welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.

Mandi oversees the daily operations, social media, and marketing for the business. Her inspiring journey includes becoming a teen mom to a premature baby, earning multiple degrees, working as a project manager, renovating several homes with Jesse, and ultimately creating Juniper Gardens. She brings her passion for design, gardening, problem-solving, and mid-century modern aesthetics to every aspect of the venue.

Jesse and his team constructed both Juniper Gardens locations and continue to play a key role in ongoing improvements and projects, ensuring the venue maintains its exceptional standards.

Find Them Here: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://junipergardens417.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/junipergardens/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junipergardens417

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junipergardens417/

In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin interviews Krisann Blanchard and her father, Fohn Bendele, the owners of Sparrow Field Estate Wedding, a Texas venue located just 30 minutes west of San Antonio. They share their inspiring journey of building a wedding venue from Krisann’s own wedding experience, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of a family-run business. With insights into balancing family roles, fostering open communication, and creating a whimsical outdoor space, Krisann and Fohn provide a behind-the-scenes look at their collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial endeavors, including a farm-to-table business and candle-making venture.

About Our Guest: 

Sparrow Field Estate is a family-owned wedding and events venue operated by Fohn and Jana Bendele in the picturesque countryside of south-central Texas. The idea for the venue began when their oldest daughter, Krisann, dreamed of getting married at her childhood home. Two years later, after their twins left for college, that dream began to take shape. With countless family meetings, construction projects, and renovations, Sparrow Field Estate has now become a reality, with each family member playing a role in crafting an unforgettable experience for the couples who celebrate there.

The venue includes everything needed to make a wedding day special: a scenic field with grazing longhorns, a sparkling pond, a grand white reception tent, and a charming bridal suite.

Find Them Here: 

Address: 1175 SH-173 N Hondo, TX 78861

Tel: (830) 741-1129

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://sparrowfieldestate.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparrowfieldestate/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557437662816

In this week’s episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin welcomes venue coach Bonnie Hawthorne, who shares her inspiring journey from military service to becoming the owner and operator of multiple event venues. Bonnie discusses the obstacles she encountered, including navigating complex zoning laws, and emphasizes the importance of careful planning and education for those entering the venue business. She provides valuable insights on designing venue packages that resonate with clients, building strong vendor partnerships, and leveraging CRM tools to enhance operational efficiency. Her shift into coaching reflects her dedication to equipping new venue owners with the skills and support they need to thrive in the events industry.

About Our Guest: 

Bonnie Hawthorne is an accomplished venue consultant with over 11 years of firsthand experience as both the owner and manager of a highly successful wedding planning and design company. In addition, she has successfully operated three wedding and event venues. Her primary focus is on helping new venue owners establish profitable and sustainable businesses.

A venue consultant, like Bonnie, plays a crucial role in guiding both new and existing venue owners through the business aspects of their operations. From assisting with initial setup to providing strategic guidance to enhance operations, Bonnie prioritizes the business side, enabling venue owners to concentrate on essential areas, such as managing day-to-day operations and delivering exceptional client service without unnecessary interruptions.

With her own experiences as a venue owner, Bonnie intimately understands the challenges that come with running a venue. Her mission is to provide venue owners with the support and insights needed to create, manage, and sustain their businesses. Drawing on her extensive knowledge and industry expertise, Bonnie helps transform envisioned venues into profitable, well-managed spaces. Her ultimate goal is to equip clients with essential tools, resources, and strategies, along with a well-crafted brand and business plan, to turn their dream venues into a tangible reality.

Find Them Here: 

Website: https://www.bonnierhawthorne.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brhawthorneteaches

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brhawthorneteaches/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8rJW3SEa6pQJ1E25sMfRPg

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brhawthorneteaches/